Pharmacotherapy
Research Project
- Closed-loop control of brain disorders
- Non-invasive brain stimulation technologies
- Closed-loop control of the autonomic nervous system
- Neural basis of pathological decision-making
- Large-scale computer simulation of neural circuit dynamics
Introduction
Closed-loop Control of Brain Disorders
Many neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, and psychiatric disorders, such as depression and addiction, are resistant to drug treatment, making their resolution a societal challenge. We view these disorders as disruptions in brain activity and are developing new methods to control their symptoms by manipulating brain activity with spatiotemporal specificity.
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Technologies
Efficient manipulation of brain activity often involves inserting stimulating electrodes into brain tissue. However, inserting deep electrodes carries risks of brain hemorrhage and infection. Thus, even if new methods of disease control are discovered through invasive animal experiments, progressing to clinical research is challenging. Therefore, we are researching and developing methods to manipulate brain activity non-invasively from outside the skull by applying medical engineering technologies such as transcranial focused ultrasound irradiation and transcranial focused electrical stimulation.
Closed-loop Control of the Autonomic Nervous System
We are developing new methods to control circulatory diseases such as heart failure and arrhythmia, and neurological and psychiatric disorders such as epilepsy and depression, by applying technologies to efficiently and effectively manipulate autonomic nervous system activity.
Neural Basis of Pathological Decision-Making
Human and animal behaviors are motivated by internal desires. However, acting simply based on these desires may lead to social or economic disadvantages. Therefore, we predict the outcomes of our actions based on past experiences and act to maximize benefits for ourselves and our groups over time. We aim to elucidate the dynamics of neural circuits that enable context-appropriate behavioral choices.
Large-Scale Computer Simulation of Neural Circuit Dynamics
When examining the effects of brain stimulation or drug administration on neural circuit dynamics, the most direct approach is to record as much neural activity as possible from living tissues and animals, and conduct observational experiments with stimulation or drug administration. However, there are clear limitations to the range and number of neural circuits and cells that can be recorded simultaneously from living organisms. Thus, we build neural circuits consisting of thousands to tens of thousands of cells inside computers through programming and investigate the effects of brain stimulation or drug administration on neural circuit dynamics through simulations.